Read Caroline’s Opel Mokka-e review for everything you need to know about Opel’s new small electric SUV in Ireland.
What’s so special about the Opel Mokka-e?
The Opel Mokka-e is Opel’s new all-electric crossover. It will go on sale in Ireland in April, with petrol and diesel versions also available. Caroline tested the 2021 Opel Mokka-e around Dublin and Wicklow to find out more about this exciting new model for the Opel brand in Ireland! Opel has marketed the Opel Mokka in Ireland since 2012. At Changing Lanes, we’ve been lucky to follow the Mokka’s journey since the beginning.
Styling
The Opel Mokka has radical new styling that is a new direction for the German brand. The car has a lighter, sportier and slimmer appearance; in fact it’s now more of a crossover than an SUV, with a hatchback-style. But there’s been a heavy addition of attitude: plastic cladding around the wheel arches, angular blacked out grille, two tone roof and optional black bonnet. The Mokka was lacking distinction in the popular B-SUV segment. Not any more!
Interior
The theme of renewal continues inside with an all-new interior for the 2021 Opel Mokka. It will be recognisable as an Opel to any previous Mokka owners who sit in. But it’s had a detox in line with a bright new future. A full digital instrument panel keeps the driver updated with relevant information like speed and battery range. There is also a new touchscreen angled towards the driver, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is well-built with our test car sporting some stylish grey panelling and fabric inserts on the doors. Everything works and functions correctly with spot on material quality. We would just love to see a little more character inside the car in line with that exterior fizz.
Is it practical?
The Opel Mokka is a five seat crossover that has been built upon a bespoke multi-energy platform that can accommodate petrol, diesel or electric powertrain. This is important because it means there is no compromise to passenger space and boot volume inside the car, regardless which model you go for. The Mokka-e is a compact vehicle. But as an average sized female adult, I felt comfortable in the back. Taller passengers may feel more squeezed for legroom and headroom. The new Mokka is a little bit wider than the car it replaces so there’s plenty of elbow room upfront. Rear seats split fold and there is also a false floor in the boot for added practicality. The volume is 350 litres – not huge but practical enough for day to day needs.
Battery, Range & Performance
The new Opel Mokka-e uses a 50 kWh battery with a system output of 136 hp. There are a number of driving modes to alter performance and efficiency – Sport, Normal and Eco. The WLTP range is 324 km. But bear in mind how many kilometres you can get from the car will depend upon things like the ambient temperature, driving style and the speed. Opel offers an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the battery.
Charging
If stopping to use the public charging points, the Mokka-e’s battery can be fully charged to 80% in about 25 minutes with a 100 kW charger. Or 80 minutes with a 50 kW charger. Charging at home is most efficient using a wallbox. It can charge the car in about 7 hours using the 7 kW onboard charger. Or try 22 hours with a three point plug!
Other engines
The new Mokka is also available with petrol and diesel engines. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is available with 110 hp or 130 hp. The 1.5-litre diesel is available with 110 hp. 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic gearboxes are available. The diesel is the best for economy with fuel consumption of 4.5l/100km and CO2 emissions of 118g/km.
Driving the new Mokka-e
The Opel Mokka is the second model in the Opel range to use the CMP platform from parent company PSA, after the launch of the all-new Corsa in 2020. It’s lighter by up to 120 kg on some of the models in the range, while rigidity is up by 15%. It’s clear to see that the new Mokka is a far more efficient design, more aerodynamic with a lower centre of gravity. Opel engineers have worked hard to reduce squeaks and rattles and improve the acoustic quality, with an acoustic pack fitted as standard to further reduce road noise. Being German it’s Autobhan proof too! This translates on the road to a steady secure feeling from the steering that keeps the car in lane easily. Compared to the previous Mokka, this car is a revelation thanks to its new platform and ‘weight loss’. It feels fun and agile on the road, while the Mokka-e goes about its business silently, with smooth responses from the controls.
Equipment
According to Opel Ireland, standard equipment will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lamps at the front and rear, an electric parking brake and traffic sign recognition. More information on trim levels and equipment will be announced closer to the launch. Dependant on trim, other available features will include six-way ergonomic seats, heated leather seats, massage function, a 180-degree panorama rear-view camera, navigation, Advanced Cruise Control, Active Lane Positioning, wireless smartphone charging, and glare-free, IntelliLux LED® matrix lights, unique to the segment.
Anything else?
Official pricing has not been released yet but indicated pricing is from €23,500 for the 1.2-litre petrol (110 hp) manual. The Mokka-e is available from €33,000 (including VRT relief and SEAI grant) for the Mokka-e all-electric version. It will be sold exclusively in the high spec SRi trim.
Rivals
The new Opel Mokka and Opel Mokka-e will take on some established competition like the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008/e-2008, Nissan Juke, and Hyundai Kona/ Kona Electric.
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Did you like it?
The new Opel Mokka and Opel Mokka-e will be an exciting new addition to the Opel range, in the popular B-SUV segment. The Mokka will build on the success of the Opel Corsa in 2020. But this could arguably be Opel’s year to go stellar.
The Mokka is now a car transformed with character and presence that will command attention on the road. The new interior is smart and well-appointed, with the addition of a new digital instrument cluster and touchscreen giving an on-trend, widescreen effect.
Opel is leading the renewal of their brand in Ireland with a clever multi-energy platform that sees buyers presented with more choice than ever before – petrol, diesel or electric. We expect the Mokka-e to be one to watch, combining the striking looks with an exciting new EV powertrain and range of up to 324 km.
Welcome back Mokka!
Caroline Kidd